Decorative Panel, and Decorative Floor Covering Consisting of Said Panels

ABSTRACT

In the field of decorative floor coverings, decorative panels are known having a MDF (Medium Density Board) or HDF (High Density Board) based core layer on top of which a decorative substrate is attached to provide the panels a desired appearance. The invention relates to a panel, in particular a decorative panel, a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel. The invention also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of mutually coupled panels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the United States national phase of InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP2019/076446 filed Sep. 30, 2019, and claimspriority to The Netherlands Patent Application No. 2022136 filed Dec. 5,2018, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a panel, in particular a decorative panel, afloor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel. The invention also relatesto a floor covering consisting of a plurality of mutually coupledpanels.

Description of Related Art

In the field of decorative floor coverings, decorative panels are knownhaving a MDF (Medium Density Board) or HDF (High Density Board) basedcore layer on top of which a decorative substrate is attached to providethe panels a desired appearance. A major disadvantage of these knownpanels is the hygroscopic nature of the core layer, which affects thelifetime and durability of such panels. For this reason, the traditionalMDF/HDF based panels are more and more replaced by polyvinyl chloride(PVC) based panels, also provided with a decorative substrate on top.These PVC based panels have the advantage over of being relativelywaterproof compared to MDF/HDF based panels. The drawback, however, ofthese PVC based panels is that the temperature resistance is very poor,as a result of which these panels will typically easily deform (curve)in case these panels are exposed to a heating source, like a heatingradiator or even a lamp. There is a constant need to improve theproperties of the core material of decorative panels. There is also aneed for alternative core compositions as used in panels. In additionthere is a need to improve the properties of core of decorative panels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the invention to meet at least one of the needsaddressed above.

The above objective of the invention, is met by the provision of apanel, in particular a decorative panel, according to the abovepreamble, comprising a core provided with an upper side and a lowerside, a decorative top structure affixed on said upper side of the core,a first panel edge comprising a first coupling profile, and a secondpanel edge comprising a second coupling profile being designed to engageinterlockingly with said first coupling profile of an adjacent panel,both in horizontal direction and in vertical direction, wherein saidcore preferably comprises an alloy of a polymer and/or mineral matrixand elastic particles dispersed in said matrix, wherein the elasticparticles are bond to the polymer and/or mineral matrix by means of acovalent bond. The core material is therefore not a mechanicallyrealized blend, but rather a chemically realized alloy of at least twocompounds, in particular polymer and/or mineral matrix material and anelastic material, chemically bonded to each other. This chemical(covalent (atomic)) bonding is typically realized during the productionprocess of the core composition. In this manner a block copolymer isformed, which is thermally stable, durable, and moreover, provides thecore a desired flexibility (elasticity) and impact resistance. Moreover,the realized blend finds a balance between functional properties, whichare typically predominantly determined by the elastic particles, andprocessing properties, which are typically predominantly determined bythe matrix material. The matrix material is also referred to as the hardphase of the core, and the dispersed elastic particles are oftenreferred to as the soft phase of the core.

A polymer matrix is a matrix which is at least partially composed ofpolymeric material, wherein the polymeric material typically forms themain constituent. A mineral is a matrix which is at least partiallycomposed of mineral material, wherein the mineral material typicallyforms the main constituent.

Preferably, the polymer matrix is at least partially composed of apolymer based on a renewable source (also referred to as ‘bio-basedplastic’) and/or of a biodegradable polymer and/or a recycled polymer.Examples of suitable—typically non-biodegradable—bio-based plastics arebio-based polyethylene (bio-PE), bio-based polyethylene terephthalate(bio-PET), or polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). Examples ofsuitable—typically bio-degradable—bio-based plastics are polylactic acid(PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and starch. Preferably, the polymermatrix comprises and/or consists of at least one polyolefin and/or atleast one thermoplastic material, like e.g. polyethylene (PE),polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR),polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and/orpolybutylene. It may also be preferred that the polymer matrix comprisesisotactic polypropylene. It is also conceivable that the matrix materialcomprises at least one copolymer, preferably an ethylene-propylenecopolymer. These polymer materials are typically relatively easy to meltand easy process, for example by means of (reactive) extrusion, andtherefore allow the elastic particles to be mixed with the polyolefinand/or thermoplastic material within e.g. an extruding device. Here, itis preferred that the polymer matrix has an melt flow rate (MFR) of fromabout 20 to about 200 g/10 min. This typically facilitates processing ofthe matrix material.

The elastic particles have a greater elasticity than the matrixmaterial. Typically, the elastic particles comprise at least oneelastomer. An elastomer is a relatively flexible polymer. More, inparticular an elastomer is typically a polymer with viscoelasticity(i.e., both viscosity and elasticity) and commonly has relatively weakintermolecular forces, generally low Young's modulus and high failurestrain compared with other materials. The elastomer may be a crosslinkedpolymer. In a crosslinked polymer the separate polymer chains are tiedtogether (crosslinked) typically leading to a single macromolecule.These chemical crosslinks may be normal crosslinks, which are covalent,and chemically bonding the polymer chains together into one molecule.However, the chemical crosslinks may also be, and are preferably formedby reversible crosslinks, which uses noncovalent, or secondaryinteractions between the polymer chains to bind them together. Theseinteraction include hydrogen bonding and ionic bonding. The advantage ofusing noncovalent interactions to form crosslinks is that when thematerial is heated, the crosslinks are broken. This allows the materialto be processed, and most importantly, recycled, and when the moltenmaterial cools again, the crosslinks reform. Examples of suitablepolymers are polyisoprene, natural rubber, polybutadiene,polyisobutylene, and polyurethanes. Preferably, the elastic particlescomprise ethylene-propylene rubber and/or ethylene-octene rubber and/orethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM). These materials haverelatively good elastic and processing properties.

Preferably, any isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) conventionally employedin preparing polypropylene impact blends having a melt flow rate (MFR)of from about 0.001 to about 500 g/10 min. (230° C., 2160 g load as perASTM D 1238) can be used in the core compositions of the panel accordingto this invention for forming the polymer matrix. Preferably, theisotactic polypropylene will have an MFR of from about 0.01 to about 200g/10 min., more preferably from about 20 to about 200 g/10 min., andstill more preferably from about 80 to about 200 g/10 min. As used inthis specification, unless otherwise indicated, the term “about” meansthat the indicated values need not be exact, and they may be 10% greateror lower than the value shown. Normally, solid isotactic polypropylenesare preferably employed in the impact polypropylene composition of thepresent invention, i.e., polypropylenes of greater than 90% hot heptaneinsolubles. The particular density of the polypropylene is not critical.Preferred isotactic polypropylenes are normally crystalline and havedensities ranging from about 0.90 to about 0.94 g/cc. Moreover, thecomposite material of the core, also referred to as alloy, can includeseveral polypropylenes having different melt flow rates to provide apolypropylene impact blend having mechanical property characteristics asdesired. As used herein, the term “isotactic polypropylene” is meant toinclude homopolypropylene, as well as copolymers of propylene andethylene containing up to 8 weight percent of polymerized ethylene orother alpha-olefins.

Ethylene-propylene rubbers (EPR) may be used to compose at least a partof the elastic particles. An EPR is suitable to be mixed and covalentlybonded to e.g. a polypropylene composition, constituting the polymermatrix material. The term “elastomer” and its derivatives will be usedinterchangeably with the term “rubber” and its correspondingderivatives.

Examples of ethylene-propylene rubbers (EPR) which are particularlyuseful in the present invention include saturated ethylene-propylenebinary copolymer rubbers (EPM) and ethylene-propylene-non-conjugateddiene terpolymer rubbers (EPDM), having the above-mentionedcharacteristics and containing about 1 to about 5 weight percent of adiene such as 5-ethylidene-2-norborene, 5-methylene-2-norborene,1,4-hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), and the like. As used in thispatent specification and in the appended claims, the term“ethylene-propylene rubber” (abbreviated as “EPR”) is intended toencompass all of the aforementioned rubber types, namely EPR, EPM, orEPDM, as well as mixtures thereof.

While any of the EPR's described above may be advantageously employed inthe instant invention, lower Tg (glass transition temperature) EPR's arepreferred. This is because lower Tg EPR's perform better in simplebinary mixtures of i-PP and EPR. For example, the Izod and Gardnerimpact properties of ICP's which consist of 80% by weight i-PP and 20%by weight EPR are significantly improved by lowering the Tg of the EPR.As the Tg of such binary blends of i-PP and EPR decreases from about −37to about −50° C., the Gardner impact measured at −29° C. increases. Atthe same time, stiffness, as measured by the heat distortiontemperature(HDT) and flexural modulus, remain essentially unchanged.Thus the most preferred EPR's of the present invention will have thelowest Tg achievable for a given EPR.

The Tg of a polymer can be conveniently measured by methods well knownin the art, for example by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) ordynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMT A) techniques. As used herein,Tg will be understood to refer to the value for Tg obtained using theDMTA method based the tan δ peak, which is well known in the art.

The Tg of an EPR can be readily controlled by varying its ethylenecontent. The lowest Tg for commercially produced EPR's, about −50° C.,occurs within a range of from about 35 to about 70 weight percentethylene. Above this range, Tg increases due to the development ofpolyethylene crystallinity. In a similar fashion, Tg also increases dueto the development of polypropylene crystallinity as ethylene contentdrops below this range. Those skilled in the art will understand thatthe relationship between Tg and ethylene content is readily measurableand is a continuous, smooth-curve function. There is, therefore, nowell-defined point above or below which the Tg abruptly changes asethylene content changes. Also, the catalyst used to produce the EPRwill determine the ethylene content required to give the lowest Tgvalue. For example, when vanadium-based or metallocene-based single sitecatalysts are used, the EPR having the lowest Tg will have an ethylenecontent of about 45-55 weight percent, the Tg being in this case about−50° C. On the other hand, with traditional Ziegler-Natta titanium-basedcatalysts, which are usually multi-sited, the EPR having the lowest Tgwill have an ethylene content of about 65-68 weight percent and a Tg ofabout −47° C.

Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the EPR of the present inventionwill have a polymerized ethylene content of from about 35 to about 70percent by weight, where the term “about” is used to indicate thatvariation above 70 percent or below 35 percent is acceptable, so long asthe Tg of the EPR is within 5 degrees of the minimum value obtainablewith the catalyst being employed.

High density polyethylenes, traditionally known as “HDPE,” are definedherein to include those polyethylenes where the density is equal to orabove 0.940 g/cc. The high-density polyethylenes usable as the highdensity polyethylene (hereinafter HDPE) matrix material in the presentinvention preferably include those having a density of 0.940 g/cc orgreater, preferably 0.945 g/cc or greater, more preferably, 0.950 g/ccor greater, and most preferably 0.955 g/cc or greater. Such HDPE'sgenerally include ethylene homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene withalpha-olefins (preferably having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 3to 8 carbon atoms). Preferable alpha-olefins are propylene, butene-1,hexene-1, 4-methy Ipentene-1, and octene-1. Processes for making suchpolymers are well known in the art and include, for example, gas phase,slurry, and solution polymerization processes. The melt index of theHDPE determined under the conditions E according to ASTM D 1238 method,is generally 0.10 to 300 g/10 min., preferably 0.1 to 100 g/10 min.,more preferably, 0.1 to 10 g/10 min. The molecular weight distribution(MWD) of the HDPE is not critical, although if the melt index of theHDPE is particularly low, it may be more desirable to use broader MWDHDPE's that are more shear-thinning and less viscous under extrusionconditions in order to facilitate melt mixing. An HDPE of this type thathas been found to be suitable is Exxon HDZ-126, which has a melt index,as defined above, of about 0.35 g/10 min. and a density of 0.957 g/cc.

As mentioned above, am ethylene-propylene copolymer (hereinafterreferred to either as “ethylene-propylene copolymer” or “EPC”) may beused as matrix material in the panel according to the present invention.This EPC preferably comprises from about 10 to about 30 weight percentpolymerized ethylene and from about 90 to about 70 weight percentpolymerized propylene. Preferably, the ethylene-propylene copolymer willhave a polymerized ethylene content of about 14% to about 27% by weight,and more preferably about 14% to about 20% by weight. The weight averagemolecular weight (Mw) of the ethylene-propylene copolymer is preferablyin the range of from about 50,000 to about 500,000, more preferably fromabout 75,000 to about 300,000, and most preferably from about 100,000 toabout 200,000.

The ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPC) of the invention may be preparedusing metallocene or conventional Ziegler-Natta type catalysts. Ineither case, the polymerization may be carried out in gas phase,solution, or slurry polymerization processes. For example, asatisfactory process for preparing the ethylene-propylene copolymercomprises contacting ethylene and propylene monomers, underpolymerization conditions and in such a ratio as to give the desiredpolymerized composition, with a metallocene catalyst which yieldsisotactic polypropylene having a tacticity greater than about 80percent. An example of a metallocene catalyst is activateddimethylsilanyl bis(indenyl) hafnium dimethyl.

Alternatively, the inventive EPC may be prepared using a conventionalZiegler-Natta catalyst which can yield similar isotactic polypropylenes.

The core preferably comprises at least one mineralizer selected from thegroup consisting of: sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium chloride (CaCl₂),aluminium sulphate (Al₂(SO₄)₃), and calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)₂. Asaddressed above, the panel according to the invention may comprise oneor more fillers, such as cellulose based particles, in particularlignocellulose based particles, in particular fibres. Preferably, thecellulose based particles comprise wood, straw, and/or hemp. Previousresearch shows that wood and hemp are chemically heterogeneous and itscomponents can be divided into two groups: structural components of highmolecular weight-natural polymer substances (cellulose, hemicellulosesand lignin) which are the major cell wall components, and non-structuralcomponents of low molecular weight (extractives and inorganiccomponents). Both wood and wood fibres comprise many chemicalcomponents, but it was found that the main inhibitor of core hydrationis sugar. Several chemical treatments are preferably to the naturalfibres, such as wood fibres or hemp fibres, before mixing them with the(initially fluid) polymer(s). The compressive strength and othermechanical properties of the treated wood fibre composites are higherthan those of the untreated fibres. Chemicals such as sodium hydroxide(NaOH), calcium chloride (CaCl₂), and aluminium sulphate (Al₂(SO₄)₃),sometimes also referred to as mineralization agents (mineralizers),typically improves compatibility of core and plant origin aggregates.Complex mineralizers such as Al₂(SO₄)₃+Ca(OH)₂ may also be applied. WhenAl₂(SO₄)₃ is used as a mineralizer, it impedes the release of sugar fromorganic aggregates and reduces hygroscopicity and water absorption.Al₂(SO₄)₃ in the form of hydrate is the characteristic of an acidicreaction in water, and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] is characteristic ofan alkaline reaction in water. The mineralization is achieved byenhancing the efficiency of Al₂(SO₄)₃, at least partially neutralizingthe acidic environment caused by Al₂(SO₄)₃ and improving the workabilityof the mixture. Wood aggregate mineralization also leads to improvedadhesion between the wood particles and the polymer, as a result ofwhich are more stable, coherent polymer can be realized.

As mentioned above, at least a part of the cellulose based particles isformed by fibres. It is also imaginable that at least a part of thecellulose based particles is formed by powder, (wood) shavings, (wood)wool, and/or (wood) chips. Instead of wood, also other natural fibresmay be used, such as hemp. Hemp enriched polymer also exhibit arelatively good thermal insulation material, excellent hydricproperties, great acoustic capabilities, and good fire resistance. Here,typically hemp shiv is used as coarse aggregate (basic component). Likewith wood, the hemp shiv is preferably mineralized by Al₂(SO₄)₃,neutralized with Ca(OH)₂ and mixed with the (initially fluid/liquid)polymer.

Preferably, the core and/or the backing layer comprises at least onefiller chosen from the group consisting of: a mineral, preferablycalcium carbonate; a pigment, a modifier, fibers, such as glass fibers,wood, straw, and/or hemp. The fibers may be loose fibers and/orinterconnected fibers resulting in a woven or non-woven layer.

The core comprises preferably at least one additional filler selectedfrom the group consisting of: steel, glass, polypropylene, wood,acrylic, alumina, curaua, carbon, cellulose, coconut, kevlar, nylon,perlon, polyethylene, PVA, rock wool, sisal, and fique. This may furtherincrease the strength of the panel and/or the water resistivity and/orthe fireproof properties of the panel as such.

Alternatively, the core comprises a mineral, such as magnesium oxide,magnesium hydroxide, and/or magnesium cement. This mineral material mayfunction as matrix material, instead of or in addition to a polymericmatrix material.

Preferably, the core comprises sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Itwas found that the addition of CMC to the core (during production)facilitates and even promotes self-degradation of said polymer basedcore, in particular a polymer, in an alkaline aqueous environment and atelevated temperature (200° C. or higher). Hence, this will improve thebiodegradability of the panel. At this elevated temperature, CMC emittedtwo major volatile compounds, CO₂ and acetic acid, creating a porousstructure in core. CMC also reacted with NaOH from sodium silicate, ifapplied, to form three water-insensitive solid reaction products,disodium glycolate salt, sodium glucosidic salt, and sodium bicarbonate.Other water-sensitive solid reaction products, such as sodiumpolysilicate and sodium carbonate, were derived from hydrolysates ofsodium silicate.

Preferably, the core comprises silica fume. Silica fume, also known asmicrosilica, is an amorphous (non-crystalline) polymorph of silicondioxide, silica. It is an ultrafine powder collected as a by-product ofthe silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production and typically consists ofspherical particles with an average particle diameter of 150 nm. Byincorporation of silica fume in the core, in particular the polymer, thewater resistivity as well as the fireproof properties can be improvedsignificantly. The silica fume may affect the compressive strength ofthe core though, as a result of which the amount of silica fume ispreferably kept limited to an amount equal to or lower than 10% byweight.

The core may comprise iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), preferably in an amount ofless than 6% by weight. Iron oxide imparts colour to core. Moreover, ata very high temperature, iron oxide chemically reacts with calcium andaluminium, which could also be present in the core, to form tricalciumalumino-ferrite, which material (tricalcium alumino-ferrite) improveshardness and strength of the core. Preferably, the amount of alumina(Al₂O₃) in the core is situated in between 3 and 8% by weight.Preferably, the amount of calcium sulfate needed for the aforementionedreaction will typically be between up to (and including) 0.5% by weight.

The core preferably comprises fatty acids. Fatty acids may penetratethrough channels (pores) of raw minerals (if applied) before grinding,and will facilitate the (efficiency of the) grinding process to producemineral based core powder.

The core may comprise at least one alkali metal sulfate, such asmagnesium sulfate. This will commonly accelerate the production processof the core.

Typically, and as mentioned above, the core comprise at least onepolymer as matrix material, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene(PS) and/or polyurethane (PUR), and/or a thermoplastic polyolefin. Thepolymer used may be virgin, recycled, and/or a mixture of virgin and/orrecycled polymer material may be used. Preferably only one (a single)polymer material is used to facilitate further recyclability. PS may bein the form of expanded PS (EPS) in order to further reduce the densityof the panel, which leads to a saving of costs and facilitates handlingof the panels. Other polymers, in particular thermoplastics may also beused. It is also imaginable that rubber parts (particles) are dispersedwithin at least one core to improve the flexibility at least to someextent. The at least one polymer, if applied, may be applied within thecore in the form of a sheet (closed layer), a mesh (woven), a non-woven,and/or as separate polymer particles (such as fibers, beads, spheres,etc.). In case a polymer layer is applied the layer is preferablyenclosed on both sides by composite material and is therefore preferablyembedded within said core.

Preferably, the core comprises perlite, preferably expanded (foamed)perlite. Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass that has a relativelyhigh water content, typically formed by the hydration of obsidian.Perlite has the unusual property of greatly expanding when heatedsufficiently, which could significantly reduce the density of the core,and hence of the panel as such. It is preferred that core comprisesmoreover foamed perlite of different particle size values. Closed cellfoamed perlite may lead to the achievement of a porosity (of perlite) of30-40%. Said perlite can be preliminarily processed by siliconicsolutions, sodium, potassium and lithium silicates.

The core may moreover comprise one or more additive materialsadvantageously including surface active substances (SAS) such asmethylcellulose, “Badimol” plasticizing materials and othercation-active SAS's for improving the rheology of the mixture. The coremay also comprise bentonite, that is a finely ground natural product,adapted to increase rheology and waterproof characteristics of the panelas such.

The core may also comprise at least one fire-retardant additive. Thisfire-retardant additive is preferably formed by an organ halogencompound. Such compounds are able to remove reactive H and OH radicalsduring a fire. The organ halogen compound preferably comprises bromineand/or chlorine. Recommended from a viewpoint of fire retardance over anorganochlorine compound such as PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) is anorgan bromine compound such as PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether).Other examples of applicable brominated compounds are:Tetrabromobisphenol A, Decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca), Octabromodiphenylether, Tetrabromodiphenyl ether, Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD),Tribromophenol, Bis(tribromophenoxy)ethane, Tetrabromobisphenol Apolycarbonate oligomer (TBBA or TBBPA), Tetrabromobisphenol A epoxyoligomer (TBBA or TBBPA), and Tetrabromophthalic acid anhydride. Otherexamples of applicable chlorinated compounds are: Chlorinated paraffin,Bis(hexachlorocyclopentadieno)cyclooctane, Dodecachloridepentacyclodecane (Dechlorane), and1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,13,13,14,14-dodecachloro-1,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,10,10a,11,12,12a-dodecahydro-1,4,7,10-dimethanodibenzo[a,e]cyclooctene(Dechlorane Plus). Although halogenated flame retardants areparticularly effective, they generally have the drawback that toxicsmoke can result in the case of fire. It is therefore also possible toenvisage applying one or more alternative, less toxic fire-retardantadditives, including intumescent (foaming) substances. The operatingprinciple of these alternative additives is based on formation of a foamlayer which functions as oxygen barrier and therefore also has afire-retardant effect. Such intumescent additives generally comprisemelamine or a salt derived therefrom. An example hereof is a mixture ofpolyphosphates (acid donor) in co-action with a melamine (foaming agent)and a carbon donor such as dipentaerythritol, starch or pentaerythritol.Gaseous products such as carbon dioxide and ammonia gas are formed herein the case of fire. The formed foam layer is stabilized bycross-linking, as in the case of vulcanization. Other examples ofapplicable, relatively environmentally-friendly, melamine-basedadditives are: melamine cyanurate, melamine polyphosphate and melaminephosphate.

In order to save weight, and therefore cost, it may be advantageous thatthe core is at least partially foamed. The foamed structure maycomprises open pores (cells) and/or closed pores (cells). The elasticparticles are typically dispersed within the matrix material present inbetween the cells, wherein at least a number of the elastic particlesmay form a wall of the cells.

Although the core(s) may be provided with one or more plasticizers, suchas phthalates, DOTP, DINP, and/or DIDP in order to provide moreflexibility to the core(s) (and to the panel as such), it is preferredthat each composite is preferably free of any plasticizer in order toincrease the rigidity of the core of the panel, and which is, moreover,also favourable from an environmental point of view.

The at least one reinforcement layer is preferably a non-woven layer orwoven layer, in particular a cloth, for example made by fiberglass. Theymay have a thickness of 0.2-0.4 mm. It is also conceivable that eachtile comprises a plurality of the (commonly thinner) base layer stackedon top of each other, wherein at least one reinforcing layer is situatedin between two adjacent base layers. Preferably, the density of thereinforcing layer is preferably situated between 1.000 and 2.000 kg/m³,preferably between 1.400- and 1.900 kg/m³, and more preferably between1.400-1.700 kg/m³. At least one reinforcement layer may comprise naturalfibers, such as jute. At least one reinforcement layer comprisessynthetic fibers, in particular polymer fibers, such as nylon fibers.

Preferably, the core comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably inbetween 50 and 90% by weight, of polymer. Preferably, the core comprisesin between 1 and 15% by weight of cellulose based fibers. Preferably,the core comprises in between 0 and 3% by weight of perlite. Preferably,the core comprises in between 1 and 8% by weight of reinforcement layer.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one core has a density greater than1 kg/m³. This relatively high density will commonly lead to strong andrigid panels. It is, however, also imaginable that at least one core hasa density lower than 1 kg/m³, which leads to a saving in weight andtherefore in transporting and handling costs. The lower density can e.g.be achieved by applying one or more foamed ingredients, such as expandedperlite, expanded polystyrene, etc.

It is imaginable that the core is provided with a waterproof coatingsubstantially covering the at least one core. This may further improvethe waterproof properties of the panel as such. To this end, thewaterproof coating may be a two-component liquid-applied waterproofingformulation for application as a liquid to at least one (outer surfaceof at least one) core. Typically, this coating comprises: separatecomponents A and B which are transportable in separate containers andare combinable to form a blend in which vulcanization is initiatedsolidifying the components into a membrane wherein component A comprisesan aqueous latex of a natural or synthetic rubber and component Bcomprises an oil carrier in which is dispersed a vulcanizing agentoperative to cure the rubber in component A, and a hygroscopic agentoperative to chemically bind the water in component A. Component Apreferably comprises a latex stabilizer operative to increase theworking life of the latex by controlling the initial pH of the latexcomponents. It is also discovered that additions of potassium hydroxide(KOH) dissolved in minimal amounts in component A can lengthen thesetting time, but excessive amounts may destabilize and cause prematuregelation of the latex. A preferred addition rate, therefore, is up to1.5 parts per 100 parts of rubber. It is believed that other high pHadditives, such as ammonia or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) may be used.Accordingly, an exemplary component A of the invention may comprise 0 to2.5 phr (per hundred parts rubber). Component B contains, among otherthings, an oil 12 carrier fluid for the vulcanization agent andhygroscopic agent. In preferred embodiments, the oil carrier fluid is ablend of hydrocarbon oils, such as a blend of both aromatic andparaffinic compositions. The aromatic oils which preferentially swellthe rubber particles are generally more viscous. Fluidity can becontrolled by the addition of paraffinic oils of lower viscosity whichalso serve to adjust the setting time of the composition. In otherexemplary embodiments, synthetic liquid plasticizers such as phthalates,adipates, or other commonly used rubber plasticizers can be used. Thecarrier fluid 12 may also contain a proportion of bitumen, eitheroxidized or penetration grade. The level of aromatic oil is not likelyto be less than 50% of the oil carrier fluid, and the bitumen notgreater than 30%. The presence of the bitumen, however, is not criticalto the invention. Also optional is the use of a hard synthetic ornatural resin. The oil 12 carrier fluid will comprise 20-60% by totalweight of the formulation (when components A and B are combined).Component B typically contains a vulcanization agent or package.Preferably, the vulcanization package comprises elemental sulphur as thesulphur donor for the system, zinc oxide as a vulcanization activator,and a mixture of zinc iso-propyl xanthate (ZIX) and zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate dibutylamine complex (ZDBCX) as accelerators. These maybe used in the preferred ranges, respectively, 0.5 to 15.0 phr (partssulphur based on parts hundred of rubber), 0.5 to 20.0 phr (ZnO), 0.1 to5.0 phr (ZIX), and 0.1 to 5.0 phr (ZDBCX). Other known vulcanizingagents and/or packages are believed to be suitable for use in theinvention. Component B may also comprise a hygroscopic agent ordessicant for chemically binding the water of component A. The preferredhygroscopic agent is calcium oxide. Other hygroscopic agents may includeother metal oxides which react with water to form hydroxides, e.g.,magnesium, barium, etc. Hydraulic cores, such as Portland core, or highalumina core, calcium sulphate core (plaster of paris), magnesium oxide,or magnesium oxychloride core, may also be used. The hygroscopic agentmay also comprise anhydrous salts which absorb significant proportions(25% or more) of their own weight of water, such as borax. The weight ofthe hygroscopic agent is chosen to effectively dewater the latex, withpreferably a slight excess to ensure that the water is bound up.However, it is possible that partial desiccation of the latex may beused, i.e., less than stoichiometric quantities of hygroscopic agentused. The hygroscopic agent, depending upon which is chosen, cancomprise 10-50% of the total formulation system. Component B may alsocomprise one or more rheology modifiers. Preferably, a combination ofmontmorillonite clay (activated with a chemical activator) andstearate-coated calcium carbonate is used to achieve the desired balanceof rheological properties, although other options, such asorgano-treated bentonite clays, fumed silica, polymer fibers, groundrubber, pulverized fly ash, hollow glass microspheres, and hydrogenatedcastor oils, could be employed. The amount of rheology modifiers,depending upon the material chosen, could comprise 0.5 to 25.0% weighttotal solids in the formulation system (components A and B combined).

It is also conceivable that a waterproof layer is situated in betweenthe core and the top structure. This may further improve the waterproofproperties of the panel as such. The waterproof layer may have the samecomposition as the composition of the waterproof coating describedabove, but may also be formed by a polymer layer, such as a PVC layer.

It is not unlikely that core comprises a plurality of reinforcementlayers. For example, at least one first reinforcement layer may belocated in a top portion of the core, and wherein at least one secondreinforcement layer may be located in a bottom portion of the core.

It is imaginable that the core comprises a laminate of cores, which areeither directly and/or indirectly, stacked onto each other. The coresmay have an identical composition, though may also have mutuallydifferent compositions, which allows the properties for each core to betweaked and to be adapted for its own primary function (e.g.sound-dampening, providing strength, providing flexibility, etc.).

The core preferably comprises at least one catalyst to promote theformation of covalent bonds between the matrix, in particular thepolymer matrix, and the dispersed elastic particles. The catalyst isalso referred to as compatibilizer. A suitable catalyst is a metallocenecatalyst, preferably activated dimethylsilanyl bis(indenyl) hafniumdimethyl, and/or a MgCl2/phthalate/TiCl4 catalyst.

The top structure is preferably adhered onto the core by means of awaterproof adhesive. This makes shields the core(s) from water appliedto the top structure, which renders the panel as such more waterproof.Moreover, this prevents that the top structure easily delaminates fromthe core. Preferably, the top structure is adhered to the core by usinga alkoxysilyl, preferably methoxysily,l based adhesive, more preferablya dimethoxysilyl and/or trimethoxysilyl adhesive. More preferably, thismethoxysilyl based adhesive (polymer) is acryl modified. Preferably,said methoxysilyl based adhesive (polymer) comprises a polyether basedbackbone chain having one or more methoxysilyl (end) groups. These silylmodified polymers (SMP) are polymers (large, chained molecules)terminating with a silyl group. Typically, these adhesives have goodadhesion on a wide range of substrate materials, and have goodtemperature and UV resistance. It is imaginable that this kind ofalkoxysilyl based adhesive is used to glue down the panel to a subfloor,a wall, or a ceiling. It is imaginable that this kind of alkoxysilylbased adhesive is used to adhere a backing to a rear surface of the coreand/or a further backing to a rear side of the backing layer (ifapplied). This leads to an integrated sublayer which may act as subflooror an equivalent thereof for wall and ceiling applications. This backingmay be elastic, and may for example by formed by a cushion layer. Thisbacking typically comprises a polymer, preferably an elastomer and/orPVC (polyvinyl chloride) and/or PUR (polyurethane) and/or PVB (polyvinylbutyral) and/or a polyolefin, in particular PE or PP. However, wood,cork, and other backings are also imaginable.

As plasticizer in this adhesive polypropylene glycol is preferably used.Preferably, the adhesive also comprises at least one of the followingingredients: at least one silane (acting as moisture scavenger and/oradhesion promotor), a catalyst, e.g. DOT (dioctyltin), at least oneantioxidant, at least one mineral filler, like calcium carbonate,preferably ground calcium carbonate which is less susceptible formoisture than precipitated calcium carbonate. Preferably all theaforementioned ingredients are present in the (waterproof) adhesive.This adhesive is typically a 1K adhesive.

The top structure preferably comprises at least one decorative layer andat least one transparent wear layer covering said decorative layer. Alacquer layer or other protective layer may be applied on top of saidwear layer. A finishing layer may be applied in between the decorativelayer and the wear layer. The decorative layer will be visible and willbe used to provide the panel an attractive appearance. To this end, thedecorative layer may have a design pattern, which can, for example be awood grain design, a mineral grain design that resembles marble, graniteor any other natural stone grain, or a colour pattern, colour blend orsingle colour to name just a few design possibilities. Customizedappearances, often realized by digital printing during the panelproduction process, are also imaginable. The decorative top structuremay also be formed by a single layer. In an alternative embodiment, thedecorative top structure is omitted, thus not applied, in the panelaccording to the invention. In this latter embodiment, the decorativepanel, in particular a floor panel, ceiling panel or wall panel,comprising: a core provided with an upper side and a lower side, a firstpanel edge comprising a first coupling profile, and a second panel edgecomprising a second coupling profile being designed to engageinterlockingly with said first coupling profile of an adjacent panel,both in horizontal direction and in vertical direction, wherein saidcore comprises: at least one core comprising: at least one polymer,cellulose based particles dispersed in said polymer; and at least onereinforcement layer embedded in said core. Preferably, the top structurecomprises cork, more preferably at least one cork layer.

Preferably, the panel comprises a backing layer attached to a rear sideof the core. The at least one backing layer is preferably at leastpartially made of a flexible material, preferably an elastomer. Thethickness of the backing layer typically varies from about 0.1 to 2.5mm. Non-limiting examples of materials whereof the backing layer can bemade of are polyethylene, cork, polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl acetate.The thickness of a polyethylene backing layer is for example typically 2mm or smaller. The backing layer commonly provides additionalrobustness, dimensional stability, and/or impact resistances to thepanel as such, which increases the durability of the panel. Moreover,the (flexible) backing layer may increase the acoustic (sound-dampening)properties of the panel. In a particular embodiment, the backing layeris provided with at least one plasticizer. It is imaginable that a rearside of the backing layer is provided with at least one microbial basedcoating to prevent and/or impede bacterial growth underneath the panelsonce installed.

Preferably, at least one reinforcement layer extends in only onecoupling profile of the first and second coupling profile. This can berealized by designing the first coupling profile and the second couplingprofile in such a way that a vertically extending tongue-groove(fold-down) connection is formed, typically by using an upper profileand a lower profile, a preferred example of which will be given below.The advantage of applying the reinforcing layer in only one couplingprofile, typically aforementioned lower profile, and thus not in thecomplementary coupling profile, typically aforementioned upper profile,is that the flexibility of the one profile (upper profile) is greaterthan the flexibility of the other profile (lower profile). Thistypically means that the upper profile is easier to deform than thelower profile, and this is in particular advantageous in casedeformation is needed to realize a coupling between the couplingprofiles.

Preferably, the first coupling profile comprises:

-   -   an upward tongue,    -   at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward        tongue,    -   an upward groove formed in between the upward tongue and the        upward flank wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at        least a part of a downward tongue of a second coupling profile        of an adjacent panel, and    -   at least one first locking element, preferably provided at a        distant side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward        flank,

and preferably the (complimentary) second coupling profile comprises:

-   -   a first downward tongue,    -   at least one first downward flank lying at a distance from the        downward tongue,    -   a first downward groove formed in between the downward tongue        and the downward flank, wherein the downward groove is adapted        to receive at least a part of an upward tongue of a first        coupling profile of an adjacent panel, and    -   at least one second locking element adapted for co-action with a        first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking        element preferably being provided at the downward flank.

Preferably, the first locking element comprises a bulge and/or a recess,and wherein the second locking element comprises a bulge and/or arecess. The bulge is commonly adapted to be at least partially receivedin the recess of an adjacent coupled panel for the purpose of realizinga locked coupling, preferably a vertically locked coupling. It is alsoconceivable that the first locking element and the second locking arenot formed by a bulge-recess combination, but by another combination ofco-acting profiled surfaces and/or high-friction contact surfaces. Inthis latter embodiment, the at least one locking element of the firstlocking element and second locking element may be formed by a (flat ofotherwise shaped) contact surface composed of a, optionally separate,plastic material configured to generate friction with the other lockingelement of another panel in engaged (coupled) condition. Examples ofplastics suitable to generate friction include:

-   Acetal (POM), being rigid and strong with good creep resistance. It    has a low coefficient of friction, remains stable at high    temperatures, and offers good resistance to hot water;-   Nylon (PA), which absorbs more moisture than most polymers, wherein    the impact strength and general energy absorbing qualities actually    improve as it absorbs moisture. Nylons also have a low coefficient    of friction, good electrical properties, and good chemical    resistance;-   Polyphthalamide (PPA). This high performance nylon has through    improved temperature resistance and lower moisture absorption. It    also has good chemical resistance;-   Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), being a high temperature thermoplastic    with good chemical and flame resistance combined with high strength.    PEEK is a favourite in the aerospace industry;-   Polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), offering a balance of properties    including chemical and high-temperature resistance, flame    retardance, flowability, dimensional stability, and good electrical    properties;-   Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), which is dimensionally stable and    has high heat and chemical resistance with good electrical    properties;-   Thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) being inherently flame retardant with    good physical, chemical, and wear-resistance properties.-   Polycarbonate (PC), having good impact strength, high heat    resistance, and good dimensional stability. PC also has good    electrical properties and is stable in water and mineral or organic    acids; and-   Polyetherimide (PEI), maintaining strength and rigidity at elevated    temperatures. It also has good long-term heat resistance,    dimensional stability, inherent flame retardance, and resistance to    hydrocarbons, alcohols, and halogenated solvents.

It is imaginable that the first coupling profile and the second couplingprofile are configured such that in coupled condition a pretension isexisting, which forces coupled panels at the respective edges towardseach other, wherein this preferably is performed by applying overlappingcontours of the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile,in particular overlapping contours of downward tongue and the upwardgroove and/or overlapping contours of the upward tongue and the downwardgroove, and wherein the first coupling profile and the second couplingprofile are configured such that the two of such panels can be coupledto each other by means of a fold-down movement and/or a verticalmovement, such that, in coupled condition, wherein, in coupledcondition, at least a part of the downward tongue of the second couplingpart is inserted in the upward groove of the first coupling part, suchthat the downward tongue is clamped by the first coupling part and/orthe upward tongue is clamped by the second coupling part.

In a preferred embodiment, the panel comprises at least one thirdcoupling profile and at least one fourth coupling profile locatedrespectively at a third panel edge and a fourth panel edge, wherein thethird coupling profile comprises:

-   -   a sideward tongue extending in a direction substantially        parallel to the upper side of the core,    -   at least one second downward flank lying at a distance from the        sideward tongue, and    -   a second downward groove formed between the sideward tongue and        the second downward flank,

wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises:

-   -   a third groove configured for accommodating at least a part of        the sideward tongue of the third coupling profile of an adjacent        panel, said third groove being defined by an upper lip and a        lower lip, wherein said lower lip is provided with an upward        locking element,

wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile areconfigured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other bymeans of a turning movement, wherein, in coupled condition: at least apart of the sideward tongue of a first panel is inserted into the thirdgroove of an adjacent, second panel, and wherein at least a part of theupward locking element of said second panel is inserted into the seconddownward groove of said first panel.

The panel, typically the core, in particular at least one core,preferably comprises recycled material. Recycled material typicallyrelates to reusing left-over material resulting from prior (panel)production processes.

Preferably, at least one groove, and preferably each groove, is providedwith at least one antimicrobial substance. This provides a sound barrierfor bacteria, fungi, etc.

The core preferably has a thickness of at least 3 mm, preferably atleast 4 mm, and still more preferably at least 5 mm. The panel thicknessis typically situated in between 3 and 10 mm, preferably in between 4and 8 mm.

The invention also relates to a decorative covering, in particular adecorative floor covering, decorative ceiling covering, or decorativewall covering, comprising a plurality of mutually coupled decorativepanels according to the invention. The covering may also be installed atvertical corners, such as at inside corners of intersecting walls,pieces of furniture, and at outside corners, such as at entry ways. Thefloor covering may be used indoors or outdoors.

Preferred, non-limitative embodiments of the invention are presented inthe clause set below:

1. Decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, ceiling panel or wallpanel, comprising:

-   a core provided with an upper side and a lower side,-   a decorative top structure affixed on said upper side of the core,-   a first panel edge comprising a first coupling profile, and a second    panel edge comprising a second coupling profile being designed to    engage interlockingly with said first coupling profile of an    adjacent panel, both in horizontal direction and in vertical    direction,-   wherein said core optionally comprises an alloy of a polymer and/or    mineral matrix and elastic particles dispersed in said matrix,    wherein, preferably, the elastic particles are bond to the polymer    and/or mineral matrix by means of a covalent bond.

2. Panel according to clause 1, wherein the polymer matrix comprises apolyolefin

3. Panel according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the polymer matrixcomprises thermoplastic.

4. Panel according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the polymer matrixcomprises polyethylene (PE), and/or polypropylene (PP), and/orpolybutylene.

5. Panel according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the polymermatrix comprises isotactic polypropylene.

6. Panel according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the elasticparticles comprise an elastomer.

7. Panel according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the elasticparticles comprise ethylene-propylene rubber

8. Panel according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the elasticparticles comprise ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM).

9. Panel according to one of the going clauses, wherein the corecomprises an isotactic polypropylene, an ethylene-propylene rubber, anda high density polyethylene.

10. Panel according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the corecomprises an ethylene-propylene copolymer.

11. Panel according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the polymermatrix has an melt flor rate (MFR) of from about 20 to about 200 g/10min.

12. Panel according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the core isfree of phthalate, and preferably free of any plasticizer.

13. Panel according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein at leastone polymer matrix used in the core is a recycled material.

14. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onepolymer and/or at least one plasticizer used in the core is biobasedmaterial.

15. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onepolymer of the core is formed by PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

16. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onepolymer of the core is formed by PUR (polyurethane).

17. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onepolymer of the core is formed by PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

18. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onepolymer of the core is formed by polystyrene, preferably expandedpolystyrene.

19. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of: DOTP,DINP, DIDP.

20. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises at least one catalyst to promote the formation of covalentbonds between the polymer matrix and the dispersed elastic particles.

21. Panel according to clause 20, wherein the catalyst is a metallocenecatalyst, preferably activated dimethylsilanyl bis(indenyl) hafniumdimethyl.

22. Panel according to clause 20 or 21, wherein the catalyst is aMgCl2/phthalate/TiCl4 catalyst.

23. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the polymermatrix and the elastic particles dispersed in said matrix form a blockcopolymer.

24. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the panelcomprises a backing layer applied, directly or indirectly, to a rearsurface of the core, wherein said backing layer comprises at least onepolymer and, optionally, at least one plasticizer.

25. Panel according to clause 24, wherein at least one polymer used inthe backing layer is a recycled material.

26. Panel according to clause 24 or 25, wherein at least one polymerused in the backing layer is biobased material.

27. Panel according to one of the clauses 24-26, wherein at least onepolymer of the backing layer is formed by PVC (polyvinyl chloride) orPUR (polyurethane).

28. Panel according to one of the clauses 24-27, wherein the backinglayer is at least partially made of a natural material, such as cork.

29. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onepolymer of the backing layer is formed by PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

30. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onepolymer of the backing layer is formed by a polyolefin, in particular PEor PP.

31. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the coreand/or the backing layer comprises at least one filler chosen from thegroup consisting of: a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate, morepreferably ground calcium carbonate; a pigment, a modifier, fibers.

32. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the coreand/or the backing layer comprises the cellulose based particles, whichpreferably comprise lignocellulose, such as wood or hemp.

33. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises at least one additional filler selected from the groupconsisting of: steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, alumina,curaua, carbon, cellulose, coconut, kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene,PVA, rock wool, sisal, and fique.

34. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onepolymer of the core is foamed.

35. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises perlite, preferably expanded perlite.

36. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises at least one fire-retardant additive.

37. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the panelcomprises at least one reinforcement layer, preferably a non-woven layeror woven layer, in particular a cloth.

38. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein thereinforcement layer comprises fiberglass.

39. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein thereinforcement layer comprises natural fibers, such as jute.

40. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein thereinforcement layer comprises synthetic fibers, in particular polymerfibers.

41. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the at leastone reinforcement layer is embedded in the core.

42. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises in between 1 and 15% by weight of cellulose based fibers.

43. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises in between 1 and 8% by weight of reinforcement layer.

44. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onecore has a density greater than 1 kg/m3.

45. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onecore has a density lower than 1 kg/m3.

46. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the core isprovided with a waterproof coating substantially covering the at leastone core.

47. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein a topsurface of the core is covered by a barrier layer which is substantiallyimpermeable for at least one plasticizer used in the core.

48. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein a waterprooflayer, in particular waterproof adhesive, is situated in between thecore and the top structure.

49. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the topstructure is adhered onto the core by means of a waterproof adhesive,preferably a methoxysilyl based adhesive.

50. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the panelcomprises a plurality of reinforcement layers, wherein, preferably, atleast one first reinforcement layer is located in a top portion of thecore, and wherein at least one second reinforcement layer is located ina bottom portion of the core.

51. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises a laminate of cores, which are either directly and/orindirectly, stacked onto each other.

52. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises a laminate of cores, wherein the composition of at least twocores is mutually different.

53. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the topstructure comprises at least one decorative layer and at least onetransparent wear layer covering said decorative layer.

54. Panel according to clause 53, wherein the wear layer has a melttemperature of above 100 degrees Celsius, wherein the wear layer ispreferably made of polyurethane.

55. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the topstructure comprises cork, preferably a cork layer.

56. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein at least onereinforcement layer extends in only one coupling profile of the firstand second coupling profile.

57. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the panelthickness is situated in between 2 and 10 mm, preferably in between 3and 10 mm.

58. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the firstcoupling profile comprises:

-   -   an upward tongue,    -   at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward        tongue,    -   an upward groove formed in between the upward tongue and the        upward flank wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at        least a part of a downward tongue of a second coupling profile        of an adjacent panel, and    -   at least one first locking element, preferably provided at a        distant side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward        flank, and wherein the second coupling profile comprises:    -   a first downward tongue,    -   at least one first downward flank lying at a distance from the        downward tongue,    -   a first downward groove formed in between the downward tongue        and the downward flank, wherein the downward groove is adapted        to receive at least a part of an upward tongue of a first        coupling profile of an adjacent panel, and    -   at least one second locking element adapted for co-action with a        first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking        element preferably being provided at the downward flank.

59. Panel according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the panelcomprises at least one third coupling profile and at least one fourthcoupling profile located respectively at a third panel edge and a fourthpanel edge, wherein the third coupling profile comprises:

-   -   a sideward tongue extending in a direction substantially        parallel to the upper side of the core,    -   at least one second downward flank lying at a distance from the        sideward tongue, and    -   a second downward groove formed between the sideward tongue and        the second downward flank,

wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises:

-   -   a third groove configured for accommodating at least a part of        the sideward tongue of the third coupling profile of an adjacent        panel, said third groove being defined by an upper lip and a        lower lip, wherein said lower lip is provided with an upward        locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the        fourth coupling profile are configured such that two of such        panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning        movement, wherein, in coupled condition: at least a part of the        sideward tongue of a first panel is inserted into the third        groove of an adjacent, second panel, and wherein at least a part        of the upward locking element of said second panel is inserted        into the second downward groove of said first panel.

60. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the panel isrigid, flexible or semi-flexible.

61. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises a mixture of three kinds of terephthalate-based material; andepoxidized oil,

wherein weight ratio of the terephthalate-based material and theepoxidized oil is preferably from 99:1 to 1:99.

62. Panel according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the corecomprises oil, preferably epoxidized oil, more preferably at least oneepoxidized oil selected from the group consisting of: epoxidized soybeanoil, epoxidized castor oil, epoxidized linseed oil, epoxidized palm oil,epoxidized stearic acid, epoxidized oleic acid, epoxidized tall oil,epoxidized linoleic acid or mixtures thereof.

63. Panel according to one of the previous clauses, wherein the corecomprises at least one mineral filler, preferably calcium carbonate,magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, and/or magnesium based cement.

64. Decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering,decorative ceiling covering, or decorative wall covering, comprising aplurality of mutually coupled decorative panels according to any ofclauses 1-63

The ordinal numbers used in this document, like “first”, “second”, and“third” are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of theexpressions “third locking element” and “second locking element” doestherefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a “first lockingelement”.

The decorative panels according to the invention may also be referred toas decorative tiles. By “complementary” coupling profiles is meant thatthese coupling profiles can cooperate with each other. However, to thisend, the complementary coupling profiles do not necessarily have to havecomplementary forms. By locking in “vertical direction” is meant lockingin a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel. By locking in“horizontal direction” is meant locking in a direction perpendicular tothe respective coupled edges of two panels and parallel to or fallingtogether with the plane defined by the panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitativeexemplary embodiments shown in the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 a shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose panel foruse in a multi-purpose panel system according to the invention;

FIG. 1b shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose panel systemcomprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels as shown in FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2a shows a schematic representation of two different types ofmulti-purpose panels for use in another embodiment of a multi-purposepanel system according to the invention;

FIG. 2b shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose panel systemcomprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels as shown in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3a shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose panel foruse in yet another embodiment of a multi-purpose panel system accordingto the invention;

FIG. 3b shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose panel systemcomprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels as shown in FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4a shows a cross-section along line A-A of a multi-purpose panel asshown in FIG. 1 a, 2 a or 3 a;

FIG. 4b shows a cross-section along line B-B of a multi-purpose panel asshown in FIG. 1 a, 2 a or 3 a;

FIGS. 5a-5c show a cross-section of two multi-purpose panels as shown inFIG. 1 a, 2 a or 3 a in a first, second and third coupled conditionrespectively;

FIGS. 6a-6c show a cross-section of two multi-purpose panels withalternative coupling profiles in a first, second and third coupledcondition respectively; and

FIGS. 7a-7c show a cross-section of two multi-purpose panels withfurther alternative coupling profiles in a first, second and thirdcoupled condition respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1a shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose decorativepanel (100) for use in a multi-purpose panel system (110) according tothe invention. The figure shows a panel (100) comprising a first pair ofopposing edges consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposite thirdedge (103) and a second pair of opposing edges consisting of a secondedge (102) and an(other) opposing third edge (103). The first, secondand third edges (101, 102, 103) are respectively provided with first,second and third coupling profiles (104, 105, 106). The first couplingprofile (104) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured suchthat two of such panels (100) can be coupled to each other at the firstand third edges (101, 103) by means of a turning movement. Moreover, thesecond coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106) areconfigured such that the two of such panels (100) can be coupled to eachother at the second and third edges (102, 103) by means of a fold-downmovement and/or a vertical movement. The proportional relationshipbetween the width and the length of the panel (100) may be chosen atwill. FIG. 1a shows only one of the many possibilities wherein the panelhas a upper side (107) with a rectangular contour (108). It is howeveralso possible that the width and the length of the panel (100) are thesame such that the panel (100) has an upper side (107) with a squarecontour.

FIG. 1b shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose panel system(110) comprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels (100) as shown inFIG. 1a . Although each of the panels (100) are equivalent, having afirst pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge (101) and anopposite third edge (103) and a second pair of opposing edges consistingof a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge (103), the panels(100) may, due to the compatibility of the coupling profile of the thirdedge (103) with the coupling profile of both the first and the secondedge (101, 102), be joined in different ways, resulting in differentialpanel patterns (111, 112) within one multi-purpose panel system (110).In the depicted multi-purpose panel system (110) wherein the individualpanels (110) have an upper side (107) with a rectangular contour (108),the panels (100) each have a long side (113) and a short side (114). Thedifferent panel patterns (111, 112) are hereby created by coupling afirst panel pattern (111) of interconnected panels (100), having theirlong side (113) connected to the long side (113) of an adjacent panel(100), to a second panel pattern (112) of interconnected panels (100),having their long side (113) connected to the long side (113) of anadjacent panel (100) and their short side (114) connected to the shortside (114) of another adjacent panel (100). The first and second panelpatterns (111, 112) are hereby rotated to each other such that the longsides (113) of the panels (100) of the first panel pattern (111) lie ata 90 degree angle relative to the long sides (113) of the panels (100)of the second panel pattern (112). This coupling between the differentpanel patterns (111, 112) is made possible through the connection of theshort sides (114) of the panels (100) of the first panel pattern (111)to the long sides (113) of the panels (100) of the second panel pattern(112). Installation of the panel system (110) can be realized by anglingdown the first edge (101) of a panel (100) to be installed with respectto a third edge (103) of an already installed panel (100), which willcommonly mutually lock said panels (100) in both vertical and horizontaldirection. During this angling or turning movement of the panel (100) tobe installed with respect to the already installed panel (100), thesecond edge (102) of the panel (100) to be installed will be connected(simultaneously) to the third edge (103) of another already installedpanel (100), which is typically realized by lowering or folding down thepanel (100) to be installed with respect to the other already installedpanel (100) during which the second edge (102) of the panel (100) to beinstalled and the third edge (103) of the other already installed panel(100) will be scissored (zipped) into each other. This results in alocking of the panel (100) to be installed with respect to the otheralready installed panel (100) both in horizontal and vertical direction.

FIG. 2a shows a schematic representation of two different types ofmulti-purpose panels (201, 202) for use in another embodiment of amulti-purpose panel system (200) according to the invention. Just as themulti-purpose panel (100) shown in FIG. 1 a, each of these panels (201,202) comprises a first pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge(101) and an opposite third edge (103) and a second pair of opposingedges consisting of a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge(103). Again, the first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) arerespectively provided with first, second and third coupling profiles(104, 105, 106), wherein the first coupling profile (104) and the thirdcoupling profile (106) are configured such that two panels (201, 202)can be coupled to each other at the first and third edges (101, 103) bymeans of a turning movement, and the second coupling profile (105) andthe third coupling profile (106) are configured such that the two panels(201, 202) can be coupled to each other at the second and third edges(102, 103) by means of a fold-down movement and/or a vertical movement.This time however, there are two different types of panels (201, 202),wherein the coupling profiles (105, 106) of one pair of opposing edges(102, 103) on the first type of panel (201) are arranged in amirror-inverted manner relative to the coupling profiles (105, 106) ofthe corresponding pair of opposing edges (102, 103) on the second typeof panel (202). Note that the depicted edge pairs of the different typesof panels (201, 202) that are mirror-inverted are formed by second andthird edges (102, 103). However it is likewise possible that themirror-inverted edge pairs are formed by first and third edges (101,103). Moreover, the multi-purpose panels (201, 202) for use in thismulti-purpose panel system (200) have an upper side (107) with aparallelogram-shaped contour (208). Two adjoining edges (101, 102, 103)of these panels (201, 202) hereto either enclose an acute angle (203) ora obtuse angle (204). In this specific embodiment, the first and secondedge (101, 102) respectively the third edges (103) enclose an obtuseangle (204) of the same size, while the first and the third edge (101,103) respectively the second and third edge (102, 103) enclose an acuteangle (203) of the same size. The difference in panel configuration andparallelogram-shaped contour (208) of their upper side (107) allowsthese panels (201, 202) to form a chevron pattern (205) in a joinedstate.

FIG. 2b shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose panel system(200) comprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels (201, 202) as shownin FIG. 2a . As already discussed previously, the multi-purpose panels(201, 202) forming part of this multi-purpose panel system (200) come intwo different (mirrored) types/configurations. While the difference inpanel configuration and parallelogram-shape of their top surface (107)allows these panels (201, 202) to form a chevron pattern (205) in ajoined state, having a first pair of opposing edges consisting of afirst edge (101) and an opposite third edge (103) and a second pair ofopposing edges consisting of a second edge (102) and an opposing thirdedge (103), wherein the coupling profile (106) of the third edge (103)is compatible with the coupling profile (104, 105) of both the first andthe second edge (101, 102), allows the panels (201, 202) to be joined indifferent ways as well, resulting in differential panel patterns (206,207) within one interconnected multi-purpose panel system (200). Like inthe multi-purpose panel system (110) shown in FIG. 1 b, the differentpanel patterns (206, 207) are created by coupling a first panel pattern(206) of interconnected panels (201, 202) to a second panel pattern(207) of interconnected panels (201, 202). Within these separate panelpatterns (206, 207), each panel (201, 202) has each of its pairs ofopposing edges (101, 103; 102, 103) connected to the edges (101, 102,103) of adjacent panels (201, 202) being part of a corresponding pair ofopposing edges (101, 103; 102, 103) of said adjacent panels (201, 202).The coupling of the first and second panel patterns (206, 207) ishowever realized through the connection of a panel (201, 202) of firstpanel pattern (206) with an edge (101, 103) forming part of one pair ofopposing edges (101, 103) to a panel (201, 202) of second panel pattern(207) with an edge (102, 103) forming part of the other,non-corresponding pair of opposing edges (102, 103). The result is aninterconnected, multi-purpose panel system (200) comprising twodifferent panel patterns (206, 207) that are rotated 90 degrees relativeto each other. Installation of the panel system (200) shown in FIG. 2bis typically analogous to the installation of the panel system (110)shown in FIG. 1 b.

FIG. 3a shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose panel (301)for use in yet another embodiment of a multi-purpose panel system (300)according to the invention.

Other than the multi-purpose panels (100, 201, 202) shown in FIGS. 1aand 2a , each of these panels (301) comprises three pairs of opposingedges and has an upper side (107) with a regular hexagon-shaped contour(302). The first pair of opposing edges consists of a first edge (101)and an opposite third edge (103). The second and third pair of opposingedges consist of a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge (103).The first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) are hereby positionedsuch that the third edges (103) lie directly adjacent to each other andthe second edges (102) lie on both edges adjacent to the first edge(101). The second edges (102), as a consequence, do not lie adjacent toeach other. The commonality between these multi-purpose panels (301) andthe multi-purpose panels (100, 201, 202) shown in FIGS. 1a and 2a ishowever that the first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) arerespectively provided with first, second and third coupling profiles(104, 105, 106), wherein the first coupling profile (104) and the thirdcoupling profile (106) are configured such that two panels (301) can becoupled to each other at the first and third edges (101, 103) by meansof a turning movement, and the second coupling profile (105) and thethird coupling profile (106) are configured such that the two panels(301) can be coupled to each other at the second and third edges (102,103) by means of a fold-down movement and/or a vertical movement.

FIG. 3b shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose panel system(300) comprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels (301) as shown inFIG. 3a . In the depicted panel formation, the panels (301) are allidentically oriented. Installation of the panel system (300) can berealized in a similar fashion as the panel systems (110, 200) of FIGS.1b and 2b . By angling down the first edge (101) of a panel (301) to beinstalled with respect to a third edge (103) of an already installedpanel (301), said panels (301) will commonly mutually lock in bothvertical and horizontal direction. During this angling or turningmovement of the panel (301) to be installed with respect to the alreadyinstalled panel (301), one or more second edges (102) of the panel (300)to be installed will be connected (simultaneously) to a third edge (103)of one or more other already installed, adjacent panels (301), which istypically realized by lowering or folding down the panel (301) to beinstalled with respect to the other already installed panel(s) (301)during which said second edge(s) (102) of the panel (301) to beinstalled and the third edge(s) (103) of the other already installedpanel(s) (301) will be scissored (zipped) into each other. This resultsin a locking of the panel (301) to be installed with respect to theother already installed panel(s) (301) both in horizontal and verticaldirection.

FIG. 4a shows a cross-section along line A-A of a multi-purpose panel(100, 201, 202, 301) as shown in figures la, 2a or 3a. In the figure,the first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103) of the panel (100,201, 202, 301) are visible, having a first coupling profile (104) and athird coupling profile (106) respectively. The first coupling profile(104) comprises a sideward tongue (400) extending in a directionsubstantially parallel to the upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201,202, 301), at least one first downward flank (401) lying at a distancefrom the sideward tongue (400), and a first downward recess (402) formedbetween the sideward tongue (400) and the first downward flank (401).The proximal side (403) of the sideward tongue (400) of the firstcoupling profile (104), facing the first downward recess (402), ishereby downwardly inclined in a direction away from the first downwardflank (401). It is however likewise possible that the proximal side(403) of the sideward tongue (400) is downwardly inclined in a directiontowards the first downward flank (401). A first transition zone (404)can be defined between the proximal side (403) of the sideward tongue(400) of the first coupling profile (104) and a lower side (405) of thesideward tongue (400) of the first coupling profile (104), which firsttransition zone (404) is in this instance curved. The upper side (406)of the first downward recess (402) is in the depicted panel (100, 201,202, 301) inclined downwardly towards the first downward flank (401).The first coupling profile (104) may furthermore comprise a firstlocking element (407) which may, in a coupled position, co-act with athird locking element (440) of a third coupling profile (106) of anadjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301). This first locking element (407)may be provided at the first downward flank (401) of the first couplingprofile (104). In the presently depicted panel (100, 201, 202, 301), thefirst locking element (407) comprises at least one first locking groove(408).

The third coupling profile (106) comprises a third recess (430)configured for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue(400) of the first coupling profile (104) of a further panel (100, 201,202, 301), said third recess (430) being defined by an upper lip (431)and a lower lip (432), wherein said lower lip (432) is provided with anupward locking element (433). The proximal side (434) of the upwardlocking element (433) of the third coupling profile (106), facing thethird recess (430), is upwardly inclined in a direction away from theupper lip (431). It may however be possible as an alternative that theproximal side (434) of the upward locking element (433) is upwardlyinclined in a direction towards the upper lip (431). A third transitionzone (435) can be defined between the proximal side (434) of the upwardlocking element (433) and an upper side (436) of the upward lockingelement (433), which third transition zone (435) is in this instancealso curved to follow the curved first transition zone (404). The upperside (436) of the upward locking element (433) is in the depicted panel(100, 201, 202, 301) inclined downwardly in a direction facing way fromthe upper lip (431) of the third coupling profile (106). At the lowerside (437) of the lower lip (432) of the third coupling profile (106), arecess (438) is present, which extends up to the distal end (439) of thelower lip (432). This recess (438) allows bending of the lower lip (432)in a downward direction. As already mentioned, the third couplingprofile (106) may further comprise a third locking element (440) thatmay co-act with the first locking element (407) of the first couplingprofile (104) of an adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301) to establish avertical lock between the coupled panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The thirdlocking element (440) may hereto provided at a distal side (441) of thelower lip (432) facing away from the third recess (430) and/or at adistal side (442) of the upward locking element (433) facing away fromthe third recess (430). The third locking element (440) may, as depictedhere, specifically be positioned at a distance both from a lower side(437) of the lower lip (432) and an upper side (436) of the upwardlocking element (433). In the presently depicted panel, the thirdlocking element (440) comprises at least one outward bulge (443) whichoutward bulge (443) is adapted to be at least partially received in thefirst locking groove (408) or a second locking groove (423) of anadjacent coupled panel (100, 201, 202, 301) for the purpose of realizinga (vertically) locked coupling. The core (452) is provided with at leastone reinforcing layer (454), such as a glass fibre layer (cloth),incorporated (embedded), in the core (452). The core (452) is at leastpartially made of an alloy of a polymer matrix and elastic particlesdispersed in said matrix, wherein the elastic particles are bond to thepolymer matrix by means of a covalent bond. Examples have been givenabove and in the appended claim set. The polymer matrix may optionallybe provided with at least one plasticizer. Alternatively, the corecomprises a mineral, such as magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide,and/or magnesium cement. This mineral material may function as matrixmaterial, instead of or in addition to a polymeric matrix material.Optionally, the panel, and also optionally solely the coupling profiles,may be provided with at least one antibacterial (antimicrobial) coatingand/or antibacterial (antimicrobial) substance mixed with the corematerial and/or the top structure of said panel. Optionally, on top ofthe top structure a antimicrobial coating may be applied, though it ismay be preferred not to expose the antimicrobial substance to the(upper) outer world during normal use for health safety reasons. Thecore may comprises further additives, such as calcium carbonate and/orcellulose based particles dispersed in said polymer (matrix); and, inthis embodiment, at least one reinforcement layer (454) embedded in saidcore. The shown core may be considered as a single layer, although apart is situated above the reinforcement layer (454) and a part issituated below the reinforcement layer (454), wherein both parts aremutually (integrally) connected by composite material present in thepores of the reinforcement layer. Examples of detailed compositions andadditives have been described in the above already in a comprehensivemanner.

FIG. 4b shows a cross-section along line B-B of a multi-purpose panel(100, 201, 202, 301) as shown in FIG. 1 a, 2 a or 3 a. In the figure,the second edge (102) and another opposing third edge (103) of the panel(100, 201, 202, 301) are visible, having a second coupling profile (105)and a third coupling profile (106) respectively. Where the thirdcoupling profile (106) matches the third coupling (106) profile providedon the adjacent third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301),which characteristics are given above in the description of thecross-section along line A-A of the multi-purpose panel (100, 201, 202,301), the second coupling profile (105) comprises a downward tongue(410) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upperside (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), at least one seconddownward flank (411) lying at a distance from the downward tongue (410),and a second downward recess (412) formed between the downward tongue(410) and the second downward flank (411). The proximal side (413) ofthe downward tongue (410) of the second coupling profile (105), facingthe second downward recess (412), is hereby downwardly inclined in adirection away from the second downward flank (411). It is however alsopossible that the proximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) isdownwardly inclined in a direction towards the second downward flank(411). A second transition zone (414) can be defined between theproximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) of the second couplingprofile (105) and a lower side (415) of the downward tongue (410) of thesecond coupling profile (105), which second transition zone (414) is inthis instance curved. A distal side (416) of the downward tongue (410),facing away from the second downward recess (412), comprises at least avertical upper wall part (417) adjacent to the upper side (107) of thepanel (100, 201, 202, 301), and, adjacent to and located below saidvertical upper wall part (417), an angled wall part (418) that anglesinward toward a chamfered and/or curved lower wall part (419) of saiddistal side (416) of the downward tongue (410). An intermediate verticalwall part (420) may hereby be present between the angled wall part (418)and the chamfered and/or curved lower wall part (419). The lower wallpart (419) of distal side (416) of the downward tongue (410) maymoreover be connected to the lower side (415) of the downward tongue(410). The upper side (421) of the second downward recess (412) is inthe depicted panel (100, 201, 202, 301) inclined downwardly towards thesecond downward flank (411). The second coupling profile (105) mayfurthermore comprise at least one second locking element (422) whichmay, in a coupled position, co-act with a third locking element (440) ofa third coupling profile (106) of an adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301)to establish a vertical lock between the panels (100, 201, 202, 301).The second locking element (422) may hereto be provided at the seconddownward flank (411) of the second coupling profile (105). In thepresently depicted panel (100, 201, 202, 301), the second lockingelement (422) comprises at least one second locking groove (423) adaptedto at least partially receive the outward bulge (443) of the thirdlocking element (440) of an adjacent coupled panel (100, 201, 202, 301)for the purpose of realizing a (vertically) locked coupling.

The coupling profiles (104, 105, 106) of each of the multi-purposepanels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b are provided withchamfers (bevels) (450) at or near the upper side (107) of the panels(100, 201, 202, 301). The panels (100, 201, 202, 301) comprise an uppersubstrate (451) affixed to an upper side (453) of a core (452) to whichthe first, second and third coupling profiles (104, 105, 106) areintegrally connected. The at least one reinforcing layer (454), such asa glass fibre layer (cloth), as embedded in the core (452), isvisualized again. Both FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b shows that this reinforcinglayer (454) is present only in one of two complementary couplingprofiles. The upper substrate (451) comprises a decorative layer (455),an abrasion resistant wear layer (456) covering said decorative layer(455) and a transparent finishing layer (457) situated in between thedecorative layer (455) and the wear layer (456). The panels (100, 201,202, 301) moreover comprise a backing layer (458) affixed to a bottomside (459) of the core (452).

FIGS. 5a-5c show a cross-section of two multi-purpose panels (100, 201,202, 301) as shown in FIG. 1 a, 2 a or 3 a in a first, second and thirdcoupled condition respectively. In these figures it can be seen that incoupled condition, at least a part of the sideward tongue (400) of thefirst coupling profile (104) of a panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is insertedinto the third recess (430) of the third coupling profile (106) of anadjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301), and at least a part of the upwardlocking element (433) of the third coupling profile (106) is insertedinto the first downward recess (402) of the first coupling profile(104). To establish a fixation in the mutual position of the firstcoupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106), a lowerside (405) of the sideward tongue (400) of the first coupling profile(104) may hereby be supported by a lower surface (500) of the thirdrecess (430) of the third coupling profile (106). The first edge (101)and the third edge (103), in coupled condition, define a first closingsurface (501) defined as a first vertical plane (502) through the upperedges (503) of the coupled panels (100, 201, 202, 301). Each of thesideward tongue (400) and the third recess (430) hereby extends throughsaid first vertical plane (502). In the shown embodiments, the first andthird coupling profiles (104, 106) respectively comprise a first andthird locking element (407, 440). The first and third locking element(407, 440) are hereby positioned such that the first locking element(407) is facing and co-acting with the third locking element (440) ofthe third coupling profile (106) to realise a vertical locking effect.

FIGS. 5a-5c moreover show that in coupled condition, at least a part ofthe downward tongue (410) of the second coupling profile (105) isinserted in the third recess (430) of the third coupling profile (106),and at least a part of the upward locking element (433) of the thirdcoupling profile (106) is inserted in the second downward recess (412)of the second coupling profile (105). To establish a fixation in themutual position of the second coupling profile (105) and the thirdcoupling profile (106), a lower side (415) of the downward tongue (410)of the second coupling profile (105) may hereby be supported by a lowersurface (500) of the third recess (430) of the third coupling profile(106). The second edge (102) and the third edge (103), in coupledcondition, define a second closing surface (504) defining a secondvertical plane (505) through the upper edges (503) of the coupled panels(100, 201, 202, 301). The downward tongue (410) is hereby positioned atone side of said second vertical plane (505), while the third recess(430) extends through said second vertical plane (505). In the shownembodiments, the second coupling profile (105) moreover comprises asecond locking element (422). Said second locking element (422) isfacing and co-acting with the third locking element (440) of the thirdcoupling profile (106) to realise a vertical locking effect.

FIGS. 6a-6c show a cross-section of two multi-purpose panels (600) withalternative coupling profiles (601, 602, 603) in a first, second andthird coupled condition respectively. Wherein the coupling profiles(104, 105, 106) of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIGS. 5a-5care configured such that in a coupled condition, (substantially) nopretension exists between the coupling profiles (104, 105, 106), thecoupling profiles (601, 602, 603) of the panels (600) shown in FIGS.6a-6c are configured such that in coupled condition a pretension isexisting, which forces the respective panels (600) at their respectiveedges (604) towards each other. In the shown embodiments of the couplingprofiles (601, 602, 603), the pretension is the result of a (local)deformation of the coupling profiles (601, 602, 603).

FIGS. 7a-7c show a cross-section of two multi-purpose panels (700) withfurther alternative coupling profiles (701, 702, 703) in a first, secondand third coupled condition respectively. In this embodiment of thethird coupling profile (703), no recess is present at the lower side(705) of the lower lip (704) thereof. In the depicted multi-purposepanels (700), the first coupling profile (701) moreover comprisesanother first locking element (706), provided at a distal side (707) ofthe first coupling profile (701), being located above at least a part ofthe sideward tongue (708). In addition, the second coupling profile(702) comprises another second locking element (709), provided at adistal side (711) of the downward tongue (710) facing away from thesecond downward recess (712). The third coupling profile (703) alsocomprises another, third, locking element (713), provided at a side(715) of the upper lip (714). In the coupled conditions shown in FIGS.7a and 7b , the additional third locking element (713) faces the distalside (707) of the first coupling profile (701) of the adjacent panel(700), while in the coupled condition shown in FIG. 7c , the additionalthird locking element (713) faces the distal side (711) of the downwardtongue (710) of the second coupling profile (702) of an adjacent panel(700). Further depicted in FIGS. 7a-7c is the co-action between theadditional first or second locking element (706, 709) and the additionalthird locking element (713) for creating a vertical locking effect incoupled condition of two panels (700), defines a tangent T1 (716) whichencloses an angle A1 (717) with a plane (718) defined by the panel(700), which angle A1 (717) is smaller than an angle A2 (719) enclosedby said plane (718) defined by the panel (700) and a tangent T2 (720)defined by a co-action between an inclined part of a proximal side (722)of the upward locking element (721) facing toward the third recess (723)and an inclined part of a proximal side (724) of the downward tongue(710) facing toward the second downward flank (725) respectively aninclined part of a proximal side (726) of the sideward tongue (708)facing toward the first downward flank (727).

In the embodiments of the coupling profiles (701, 702, 703) shown inFIGS. 7a -7 c, the first coupling profile (701) and the third couplingprofile (703) respectively the second coupling (702) and the thirdcoupling profile (703) are configured such that in coupled condition aplurality of distant contact zones (728) are present, wherein in betweeneach pair of adjacent contact zones (728) a space (729) remains.Specifically, FIGS. 7a and 7b show that the first downward flank (727)of the first coupling profile (701) and a distal side (730) of theupward locking element (721) and the lower lip (704) of the thirdcoupling profile (703), facing the first downward flank (727), arepositioned at a distance from each other. Additionally, the upper side(731) of the upward locking element (721) of the third coupling profile(703) is positioned at a distance from the upper side (733) of the firstdownward recess (732) of the first coupling profile (701). In FIG. 7cone can see that the second downward flank (725) of the second couplingprofile (702) and a distal side (730) of the upward locking element(721) and the lower lip (704) of the third coupling profile (703),facing the second downward flank (725), are positioned at a distancefrom each other. In addition, the upper side (731) of the upward lockingelement (721) of the third coupling profile (703) is positioned at adistance from the upper side (734) of the second downward recess (712)of the second coupling profile (702).

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5a -7 c, wherein said core comprisesan alloy of a polymer matrix and elastic particles dispersed in saidmatrix, wherein the elastic particles are bond to the polymer matrix bymeans of a covalent bond. Examples and preferred embodiments of thisalloy have been described in the description above in a comprehensivemanner.

The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by severalillustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventiveconcepts may be applied without, in so doing, also applying otherdetails of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate onexamples of all conceivable combinations of the above-describedinventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understandnumerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at aspecific application.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the workingexamples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants arepossible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious toa person skilled in the art.

The verb “comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patentpublication are understood to mean not only “comprise”, but are alsounderstood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”,“formed by” and conjugations thereof.

1-66. (canceled)
 67. A decorative panel, in particular a floor panel,ceiling panel or wall panel, comprising: a core provided with an upperside and a lower side, a decorative top structure affixed on said upperside of the core, a first panel edge comprising a first couplingprofile, and a second panel edge comprising a second coupling profilebeing designed to engage interlockingly with said first coupling profileof an adjacent panel, both in horizontal direction and in verticaldirection, wherein said core comprises an alloy of a polymer matrixand/or a magnesium cement based matrix and elastic particles dispersedin said matrix, wherein the elastic particles are bond to the polymermatrix by means of a covalent bond.
 68. The panel according to claim 67,wherein the polymer matrix comprises polyethylene (PE), and/orpolypropylene (PP), and/or polybutylene.
 69. The panel according toclaim 67, wherein the polymer matrix comprises isotactic polypropylene.70. The panel according to claim 67, wherein the elastic particlescomprise an elastomer.
 71. The panel according to claim 67, wherein theelastic particles comprise ethylene-propylene rubber.
 72. The panelaccording to claim 67, wherein the elastic particles compriseethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM).
 73. The panel according toclaim 67, wherein the core comprises an isotactic polypropylene, anethylene-propylene rubber, and a high density polyethylene.
 74. Thepanel according to claim 67, wherein the core comprises anethylene-propylene copolymer.
 75. The panel according to claim 67,wherein the core is free of phthalate, and preferably free of anyplasticizer.
 76. The panel according claim 67, wherein at least onepolymer of the core is a material chosen from the group consisting of:PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PUR (polyurethane), PVB (polyvinyl butyral),and polystyrene.
 77. The panel according to claim 67, wherein the corecomprises at least one catalyst to promote the formation of covalentbonds between the polymer matrix and the dispersed elastic particles.78. The panel according to claim 67, wherein the core comprises at leastone additional filler selected from the group consisting of: steel,glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, alumina, curaua, carbon, cellulose,coconut, kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA, rock wool, sisal, andfique.
 79. The panel according to claim 67, wherein at least one polymerof the core is foamed.
 80. The panel according to claim 67, wherein thepanel comprises a plurality of reinforcement layers, wherein,preferably, at least one first reinforcement layer is located in a topportion of the core, and wherein at least one second reinforcement layeris located in a bottom portion of the core.
 81. The panel according toclaim 80, wherein at least one reinforcement layer extends in only onecoupling profile of the first and second coupling profile.
 82. The panelaccording to claim 67, wherein the panel comprises: at least one firstedge having a first coupling profile comprising: a sideward tongueextending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of thefirst panel, at least one first downward flank lying at a distance fromthe sideward tongue, and a first downward recess formed between thesideward tongue and the first downward flank, wherein at least a part ofthe proximal side of the sideward tongue of the first coupling profile,facing the first downward recess, is downwardly inclined in a directionaway from the first downward; at least one second edge having a secondcoupling profile comprising: a downward tongue extending in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the upper side of the first panel, atleast one second downward flank lying at a distance from the downwardtongue, a second downward recess formed between the downward tongue andthe downward flank, and at least one second locking element, wherein atleast a part of the proximal side of the downward tongue, facing thesecond downward recess, is downwardly inclined in a direction away fromthe second downward flank, at least two other edges, each other edgehaving a third coupling profile comprising: a third recess configuredfor accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue of the firstcoupling profile of a second panel of the plurality of floor panels andat least a part of the downward tongue of the second panel, said thirdrecess being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein said lowerlip is provided with an upward locking element, and at least one thirdlocking element, wherein said third locking element comprises at leastone outward bulge, wherein at least a part of the proximal side of theupward locking element, facing the third recess, is upwardly inclined ina direction away from the upper lip; wherein the first coupling profileand the third coupling profile are configured such that the first paneland the second panel can be coupled to each other at the first and otheredges through a turning movement, wherein, in coupled condition: atleast a part of the sideward tongue of the first coupling profile of thefirst panel is inserted into the third recess of the third couplingprofile of the second panel to realise a vertical locking effect, and atleast a part of the upward locking element of the third couplingprofile, and said at least one outward bulge, are inserted into thefirst downward recess of the first coupling profile, and wherein thesecond coupling profile and the third coupling profile are configuredsuch that the first panel and the second panel can be coupled to eachother at the second and other edges by means of a fold-down movement ora vertical movement, wherein, in coupled condition: at least a part ofthe downward tongue of the second coupling profile is inserted in thethird recess of the third coupling profile, at least a part of theupward locking element of the third coupling profile is inserted in thesecond downward recess of the second coupling profile, and at least onesecond locking element is facing, and co-acting with, at least oneoutward bulge of at least one third locking element to realise avertical locking effect.
 83. The panel according to claim 67, whereinthe first coupling profile comprises: an upward tongue, at least oneupward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue, an upwardgroove formed in between the upward tongue and the upward flank whereinthe upward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of a downwardtongue of a second coupling profile of an adjacent panel, and at leastone first locking element, preferably provided at a distant side of theupward tongue facing away from the upward flank, and wherein the secondcoupling profile comprises: a first downward tongue, at least one firstdownward flank lying at a distance from the downward tongue, a firstdownward groove formed in between the downward tongue and the downwardflank, wherein the downward groove is adapted to receive at least a partof an upward tongue of a first coupling profile of an adjacent panel,and at least one second locking element adapted for co-action with afirst locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking elementpreferably being provided at the downward flank.
 84. The panel accordingto claim 67, wherein the panel comprises at least one third couplingprofile and at least one fourth coupling profile located respectively ata third panel edge and a fourth panel edge, wherein the third couplingprofile comprises: a sideward tongue extending in a directionsubstantially parallel to the upper side of the core, at least onesecond downward flank lying at a distance from the sideward tongue, anda second downward groove formed between the sideward tongue and thesecond downward flank, wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises: athird groove configured for accommodating at least a part of thesideward tongue of the third coupling profile of an adjacent panel, saidthird groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein saidlower lip is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the thirdcoupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured suchthat two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of aturning movement, wherein, in coupled condition: at least a part of thesideward tongue of a first panel is inserted into the third groove of anadjacent, second panel, and wherein at least a part of the upwardlocking element of said second panel is inserted into the seconddownward groove of said first panel.
 85. The panel according to claim67, wherein the core comprises at least one mineral material, preferablycalcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, and/ormagnesium based cement.
 86. A decorative covering, in particular adecorative floor covering, decorative ceiling covering, or decorativewall covering, comprising a plurality of mutually coupled decorativepanels according to claim 67.